Cutaneous sporotrichosis treated with photodynamic therapy: an in vitro and in vivo study

Photomed Laser Surg. 2014 Jan;32(1):54-7. doi: 10.1089/pho.2013.3590. Epub 2013 Dec 13.

Abstract

Background: Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection caused by Sporothrix schenckii complex, usually restricted to the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and adjacent lymphatic vessels. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) could be a good alternative to manage localized, superficial infections.

Case report: A 65-year-old African woman was diagnosed with a fixed cutaneous sporotrichosis on her left arm, treated with itraconazol and oral terbinafine with partial improvement. Topical 16% methyl aminolevulinate (MAL, Metvix(®))-PDT was used without success.

Methods: An in vitro photoinactivation test with the isolated microorganism revealed phenothiazinium salts to be more effective than MAL.

Conclusions: PDT with intralesional 1% methylene blue (MB) in combination with intermittent low doses of itraconazole obtained complete microbiological and clinical response.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Sporothrix / cytology
  • Sporothrix / radiation effects
  • Sporotrichosis / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents